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It was written and produced by first-time film maker Jordan Peele, one half of the comedy duo Key & Peele, who wrote some brilliant sketches for SNL in 2008. They haven't been seen much for the past few years, so when I noticed Peele had gone into the movies, I was curious to see his first effort.

I've never been much of a horror fan, but for about a year, I have been watching a lot of horror movies to try to learn what makes one a massive hit that becomes a classic, like The Shining, Rosemary's Baby, Psycho, The Exorcist, or even the original King Kong, while others don't seem to sink in to the public consciousness, even when they do well at the box office.

What I've observed is the horror flicks that are remembered for decades after their release all have some skillful use of the things a large group of folks all fear very much. Stuff that happens, or can happen to almost anyone, but are particularly fearful for some important part of our population.

Rosemary's Baby, for example, strikes horror by using a pregnant young woman. Pregnancy is a time when women are vulnerable to lots of bad things, so women are naturally fearful of those threats, and so are men, because they, too fear for their pregnant women. So do their parents, friends, and all, so as a theme, it touches almost everyone.

Rosemary's Baby works so well because it ratchets up one emotion until another develops. At first, there's some curiosity. Then it turns to apprehension, a stronger emotion, then anxiety and tension, stronger still, and then fear, still stronger, and ends in terror, the strongest of all emotions. And very well staged, too, bit by bit by bit.

After watching the trailer, I think this movie will be a huge and very talked-about hit, much like all those on the list above. Peele is a very perceptive and sharp black guy, and it seems he has tapped into some of the fears black folks have most, and this may be a must-see flick for them.

At the same time, I think white folks will want to see it just as much for similar, or different reasons. As a white guy who has some black friends, I related to the black protagonist, and at the same time, was stunned by some of the things in the trailer that could be horrific to anyone, black or white. Some scary stuff, when done right, scares everyone, of any race, just the same.

At the same time, I think this movie will also generate a ton of conversation about race in much the same way Brokeback Mountain did about gays.

All together, this makes me think it will be a whacking bit hit movie, and if it is as good as the trailer, may be an award contender.

One thought I had was; whoever edited and put the trailer together is gonna get a lot of work very soon. It totally grabbed me, and made me want to watch the movie when it comes out, and I think it will have the same effect on everyone who sees it. If trailers won Academy Awards, this one is a sure contender. Love it or hate it, I guarantee you will watch the trailer to the end. And come away thinking about it.

Movie looked interesting but perhaps revealed a bit much.
I don't know who he is but I found the lead actor super annoying, not sure if it is his acting or looks (droopy eyes) or the "meh" facial impression.

What if they did the inverse where a white girl travels to the ghetto for Kwanzaa. And the entire movie was hunt the cracka as she tries to ecape the hood. I assume the media would slaughter it and rotten tomatoes would not be 100%.

For the record, outstanding movie. Not sure I'd call it perfect and it isn't among the best movies I've seen (I don't think lol) but it is deserving of praise and nomination. Terrific acting, great casting, great writing, old story told in a creative a fresh sense. Not perfect, but very, very good, easily one of the best films I've seen in a while. Good for Jordan Peele!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWFL_Native

What if they did the inverse where a white girl travels to the ghetto for Kwanzaa. And the entire movie was hunt the cracka as she tries to ecape the hood. I assume the media would slaughter it and rotten tomatoes would not be 100%.

Just sayin

I knew somebody would start this BS. There is a whole lot I could say in response to this comment bit I'll just say, the movie apparently isn't for you....

I can provide context without giving away the movie but I certainly recommend it to anyone considering watching it!

Saw it yesterday. It was really interesting, funny in a satire way, very original, and not a dull moment. Star Daniel Kaluuya plays the role pretty straight, no mugging, and his reactions to subtle racism by "well-meaning white liberals" are on-spot. Twisty and complex, it doesn't dumb it down for the audience and I was still putting plot lines together after I left the theatre. Catherine Keener plays a psychiatrist with bad intentions to the hilt. Worth seeing.

I can't help wondering if this movie had come out a year ago if it would have received the same 100% on Rotten Tomatoes...

I found it quite entertaining. A little satire of so many horror movie tropes. And this topic is timeless. At least in my lifetime. I think it would have done well last year but feels extra timely this year.

The theater I went to had a mixed crowd in ethnicity and age so it must feel pretty universal. And it was a good old fashioned standard horror movie. Where the black guy doesn't die in the first 2 minutes.

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